Derrick Rose breaks down during a news conference unveiling his new shoe the Adidas D Rose 3 in Chicago. (Paul Beaty / AP) Athletes go through promotional events for the products they endorse hundreds of times a year, but, for Derrick Rose, the introduction of his new shoe was unexpectedly emotional.

The Chicago Bulls star, appearing at a press conference, revisited the knee injury that ended his season, his May 12 surgery and rehab and then broke down. Rose held his head in his hands for a long time as he tried to compose himself. One of his three brothers handed him a tissue. Then he spoke of the experience he’s going through — and what is happening this summer in Chicago.

“This is truly a blessing,” Rose said (via the Chicago Tribune). “With all this stuff that’s going on in this city [the violence in his Englewood neighborhood, the teachers’ strike], a kid from Englewood [has] something positive going on. That makes me feel so good. This shoe is great. All this is great.

“But I can’t explain it. ... I went through so much and to have true fans, that means a lot to me. And I know it means a lot to [my family. Because we’re not supposed to be here at all. But God made a way.”

Rose, 23, is expected to miss eight-to-12 months as he rehabs from his torn anterior cruciate ligament in California.

“Recovery has been good,” he said Thursday. “I’m rehabbing five times a week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we do lower and upper body and bike workouts. I’m starting to shoot now. I’m starting to jump a little. I’m seeing improvement every week.

“My leg does get sore sometimes, but I’m able to fight through it. My trainers are making sure I’m doing a great job telling them what’s going on so they can treat me right.”

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